The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
ramontchi
small tree or shrub (Flacourtia indica) belonging to the family Flacourtiaceae. It is cultivated in S Asia and in other tropical regions for its large edible berries. Dark purple to black in color and acid in taste, the fruit is used chiefly for preserves. The hard, durable wood is used locally for agricultural and other implements. In parts of tropical Africa the plant is considered a curative for jaundice. The ramontchi is called also governor’s, or botoko, plum. Fruits of other species of Flacourtia are also gathered. The ramontchi is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Violales, family Flacourtiaceae.
